Clouds Over the Hill (2009)
A landmark NHK historical epic tracing Japan's Meiji-era transformation through war, ambition, and the lives of two brothers and a beloved poet.
Clouds Over the Hill - Series Information
- Original Title: 坂の上の雲
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Created by: Hisashi Nozawa, Ryōtarō Shiba
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: War, Politics, Drama
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese, English
- Networks: NHK BS1
- Alternative Titles: Saka no Ue no Kumo (JP)
- Production Companies: NHK
- Production Countries: Japan
Clouds Over the Hill - Plot
Saka no Ue no Kumo is an NHK 21st Century special drama which was aired over three years starting from November 29, 2009. The series runs 13 episodes at 90 minutes each. The first series, with 5 episodes, was broadcast in 2009, while series two and three, each with 4 episodes, were broadcast in late 2010 and 2011. While most episodes were shot in Japan, one of the episodes in series two was shot in Latvia. The TV series is based on the novel Saka no ue no kumo by Ryōtarō Shiba and adopted by Hisashi Nozawa. The theme song of the drama series is titled "Stand Alone". It was composed by Joe Hisaishi, written by Kundo Koyama and performed by British soprano singer Sarah Brightman.
Clouds Over the Hill - Trailer
Preview the series with this clip from Clouds Over the Hill.
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Clouds Over the Hill - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Hisashi Nozawa
- Ryōtarō Shiba
Main Cast
- Masahiro Motoki
- Hiroshi Abe
- Miho Kanno
- Takako Matsu
- Marina Aleksandrova
- Teruyuki Kagawa
- Mieko Harada
- Takahiro Fujimoto
- Naoto Takenaka
- Akira Emoto
Executive Producers
- 西村与志木
Clouds Over the Hill - FAQs
Is Clouds Over the Hill based on a true story?
The series is based on Ryōtarō Shiba's acclaimed historical novel of the same name, which draws on real events and figures from Meiji-era Japan, including the Russo-Japanese War. While the characters are real historical persons, some scenes and dialogue are dramatized for narrative purposes.
Who are the main actors in Clouds Over the Hill?
The series stars Masahiro Motoki and Hiroshi Abe as the Akiyama brothers, alongside Miho Kanno, Takako Matsu, Marina Aleksandrova, Teruyuki Kagawa, Mieko Harada, Takahiro Fujimoto, Naoto Takenaka, and Akira Emoto in key roles.
Who composed the music for Clouds Over the Hill?
The score was composed by the legendary Joe Hisaishi. The theme song, "Stand Alone," was written by Kundo Koyama and performed by British soprano Sarah Brightman, lending the series a hauntingly beautiful and internationally resonant musical identity.
How many seasons and episodes does Clouds Over the Hill have?
The series spans 3 seasons and 13 episodes in total. Season 1 contains 5 episodes broadcast in 2009, while Seasons 2 and 3 each contain 4 episodes, broadcast in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Each episode runs approximately 90 minutes.
What is Clouds Over the Hill about?
Set during Japan's Meiji period, the drama follows two brothers — a cavalry officer and a naval strategist — alongside the poet Masaoka Shiki, as Japan modernizes and rises to confront imperial Russia. It's an epic portrait of national ambition, sacrifice, and the human cost of war.
Where was Clouds Over the Hill filmed?
Most of the series was filmed on location across Japan. Notably, one episode from Season 2 was shot in Latvia, which stood in for European settings related to the Russo-Japanese War narrative, giving the production an impressive international scope.
Is Clouds Over the Hill worth watching?
For fans of sweeping historical epics, it's essential viewing. NHK's prestige production values, a stellar ensemble cast, Joe Hisaishi's evocative score, and a richly layered story rooted in real Meiji-era history combine to make it one of Japanese television's most ambitious and celebrated achievements.
What are shows similar to Clouds Over the Hill?
If you enjoy Clouds Over the Hill, consider JOKER GAME (2016) for its Japanese wartime intrigue, or Soviet Storm: WW2 in the East (2010) for epic historical conflict. The Night Manager (2023) and The Great Passage (2016) also share its blend of meticulous craft and compelling character drama.
More About Clouds Over the Hill
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